Publishing bike weight?

[EebStrider]

Why do so many bike manufacturers avoid publishing the weight of their bikes on the websites?

 

[Mteam]

Because they're too heavy

 

[EebStrider]

Because they're too heavy

It’s a bit odd. Almost like they’re embarrassed!

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

It’s a bit odd. Almost like they’re embarrassed!

Same reason why a lot of people are about theirs.

I for one am not... but I can’t publish mine because my weight keeps changing. Besides it’s the wrong time of year to be forthright.

Joking aside, it’s the market’s own doing. For years the first thing a customer does in a bike shop when choosing a bike (or most things that’s bike related) is to pick it up... as if weight alone is the primary deciding factor to assess if it’s a good or a bad item. Nothing odd about bike manufacturers playing that mind game (they invented it)... but it’s played selectively... if only in their favour.

Some (not all) pre-eBike items re-badged as “eBike Compatible” implies that they’re extra strong or more durable - which is just another word-game way of saying they’re not light - but magically, they are somehow desirable this time around.

 

[steve_sordy]

One weight for each size of bike, with/without pedals. What sort of tyres, with/without tubes? Then there are model changes from year to year, when they keep to a price point by using cheaper and heavier components. All too much hassle.
But I suspect that they are concerned about litigation. If they declare a weight, then they can be held to account if the bike does not weigh what they said. (Someone will, for sure!)